Called by God to transform and restore his community through the empowerment of faith, Reverend Lateef Johnson-Kinsey accepted the pastorate of the Mount Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church in 2013. Reverend Johnson-Kinsey is also a Dean Of Students at Science Academy Of New York. During his second year of pastoring Mount Pleasant purchased a 35,000 sq. ft. worship & community center. This center would focus on bringing the church back to the community by providing space for family and community to grow. In 2018 the church was renamed The Well Of Hope Church, which was prophetically spoken over Reverend Johnson-Kinsey by Bishop H. Bernard Alex.
Reverend Johnson-Kinsey’s unique approach to pastoring and practical teaching has led countless people who had never been to church, to be saved and transformed. He believes the purpose of the church is to evangelize to the unsaved that they may be saved. He believes the biblical principles in John 3:15-17, that “whosoever believeth” in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
Over the past eight years, Well Of Hope Church has become a center of restoration and transformation, opening a community Food Pantry, Jamars clothing Closet, summer camp programs, and a room dedicated for families that have been impacted by trauma. The Well Of Hope also houses a full Day Care, Pre-K, and the after-school program run by Betty Graham and her non-for Profit, Determination Center. Over the past five years, the church has become an African American business incubator, giving space for small businesses and young entrepreneurs to develop. The church has also kept their original Corning Ave property for new churches to start up and grow.
During 2020 Reverend Johnson-Kinsey was given an assignment by God to see the church grow in community development and focus on community engagement, that the church not only be present but impactful in the community.
Reverend Johnson-Kinsey accepted the position of Chaplin for Syracuse Police Department, working along with Pastor Darien Jaime, he also is a part of the Board Of Directors for Syracuse Community Connections. He has assisted in the start of the new Syracuse Police Athletic League (PAAL). He is the executive director of The Well Of Hope 501c3 and Community Development Corporation, which is creating affordable housing and a Community Cultural Center. Well Of Hope has partnered with Bishop Leroy McClain and God’s Temple Of Faith to purchase a property to create a safe place for the next generation to grow and understand their culture.
Reverend Johnson-Kinsey’s mission for the church is to move forward, restore hope, and transform the community. He believes if you create a place to hope you will see a community that is transformed.
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